We are honored and excited to announce that on January 19, we welcomed new Director of Development & Communications Suzy Gardner to our growing Team Kid. With nearly 20 years of nonprofit development and management experience, Gardner will fuel our mission of ending the cycle of homelessness, one child at a time.

A visionary leader and newly minted Orange County resident, Gardner has worked tirelessly in the nonprofit sector for nearly two decades, demonstrating immense success in developing, leading, and executing complex, strategic fundraising initiatives. Her exhaustive list of accomplishments encompasses enhancements in all operating and capital revenue streams, including foundation and government grant support, individual annual and major gifts, corporate sponsorship and direct business contributions, direct mail campaigns, faith and civic organization giving, peer-to-peer giving, direct and third-party events, and planned giving.

“We are thrilled to have Suzy join our team,” says Project Hope Alliance CEO Jennifer Friend. “There is no doubt that her entrepreneurial spirit, strategic mind, and deep understanding of the issues and challenges faced by homeless children and families will position Project Hope Alliance to make an even greater impact in the lives of our kids and our community. Suzy will be a key player in the next phase of Project Hope’s growth.”

Hailing most recently from Boulder, Colorado, Gardner served as Director of Development & Communications at Emergency Family Assistance Association, leading her team in significantly increasing individual, business, and foundation giving, as well as capital funding for new transitional housing units. She previously served as Development Director at Boulder Valley Women's Health Center, where she advanced fundraising revenue, produced a new annual fundraising event, and developed and implemented major gifts and gift planning programs. Gardner also served at Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions at Regis University in Denver and Mental Health Partners in Boulder, as well as assisted in the launch of new Colorado nonprofit Collegiate Crossings, where she completed a term as Board President.

Gardner holds a Master of Nonprofit Management from Regis University, and is deeply dedicated to expanding funding to support Project Hope Alliance's mission. A purpose-driven organization, Project Hope Alliance strives for two main goals: uplifting families out of homelessness, and eliminating obstacles that prevent children struggling with homelessness from attending and excelling in school. Both objectives are achieved through innovative rapid rehousing and youth education programs.

“I’m incredibly impressed with the impactful two-generational approach Project Hope Alliance is utilizing to end homelessness for Orange County families,” says Gardner. “I particularly admire the transformative programs they are using to equip homeless children of all ages with tools and opportunities for academic success—the key to their education and future. I am truly thrilled to be a part of Team Kid and to help ensure adequate resources are available to support the tremendous work we are doing in the community.”